Class Notes

Eugenia Hagood Vinzant passed away on April 11, 2004.

Alex Violette ’07 has partnered with life-long friend and executive Chef Ryan Davenport to open Elkmont Exchange Brewery and Eating House at 745 North Broadway. See more: http://www.wbir.com/article/news/local/elkmont-exchange-brewery-and-eating-house-to-open-in-north-knoxville/51-487589889

The Grassroots Leadership team in Austin, Texas welcomes Lauren Voyles. She was placed at Grassroots Leadership through the Young Adult Volunteer program, a ministry of the Presbyterian Church (USA). The program allows young people to serve domestically or internationally at sites where we are able to positively impact those who live around us, as well as enables us to be good stewards of our society and our world. She is heavily involved in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and is considering a seminary education following her YAV year. She feels most called to a chaplaincy of some kind.

Marinell Ross Waggoner completed her journey on earth on June 21, 2018, at Blount Memorial Hospital after an extended illness. Marinell was born July 6, 1925 to Nell Bell Ross and Lanty Marion Ross in Greene County, Tennessee. She graduated from Maryville College and completed her Doctor of Jurisprudence from Vanderbilt University making her the first woman attorney in Blount County. After setting up her practice of law in Maryville she met A. B. Waggoner, Jr. whom she would marry. She would later become involved in Waggoners Insurance Agency. Marinell was for most of her adult life an active speaker for conservative causes and then a Sunday School and women’s Bible teacher for Circle 1 at Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, Nell Bell Ross and Lanty Marion Ross; sister, Betty Ruth Ross; husband, A.B. Waggoner, Jr. and nephew, James Marvin Lindley. She is survived by her children, Andrew B. Waggoner, III and wife Cynthia Hamil Waggoner; daughter, Nell B. Waggoner; special Japanese daughter, Hiroko Shoji; sister, Margaret Ross Lindley of Johnson City, TN and many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends. The family wishes to thank and include as family Barbara Gourley her caregiver and friend during these past almost 10 years. The family will receive friends from 1-2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 23, 2018, at McCammon-Ammons-Click Funeral Home with the funeral service to follow at 2:00 p.m. with Rev Lanty Ross Lindley officiating. The interment will follow at Grandview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the Mission Fund at Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church, Knoxville, TN.

Jennie Lee Wagner, 89, of 321 Hanley Circle, Danville, VA, went home to be with her Lord on Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at Bright Leaf Place, where she had been a resident for the past six weeks.

Jennie was born in Mountain City, TN on February 20, 1933, a daughter of the late Lee Roy Wagner and Florence Potter Wagner. She grew up in Tennessee where she graduated from Maryville College and went on to graduate from Appalachian State University where she obtained her Master Degree in education.

Jennie had a vast career in education that encompassed teaching and counseling in the Halifax County and Pittsylvania County School Systems. She was also the former principal of Brosville Elementary School and then went on to be the principle at Mount Herman Elementary School where she retired in 1995. After retirement she was a member of the Pittsylvania County Retired Teachers Association. In order to help others, receive the education that they needed Jennie was the benefactor for the Florence P. Wagner and Jennie Lee Wagner Scholarships through the Community Foundation.

She was also a member of Isaac Anderson Society of Maryville College, and a member of the Danville District Hermitage Guild. She worked for AARP as a driving instructor for the Safe Driving Program and she enjoyed volunteering with the local hospital for many years.

Jennie was an active member of Brosville United Methodist Church, where she had held a variety of leadership positions within the church including, Sunday school teacher. She was also one of the founders for the Wenonda Gathering. In her spare time Jennie enjoyed interest that included, gardening, hiking, visiting the national parks, and reading.

On October 11, 2003, she married the late Richard Douglas Pennington.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by her brother, Roy Luke and William “Billy” Wagner; her sisters, Mary Elizabeth and Nellie Wagner; one nephew; and one niece.

Survivors include, her step-daughters, Arlene Smoot and Donna Williams; sister-in-law, Carol McClanahan; one nephew, James Roy “J.R.” Wagner; two nieces, Peggy Brown and Norma Jean Ward; and numerous great nieces and great nephews.

Albert Joseph WahlBaker, of Belpre, OH, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 21, 2021 at home with his wife by his side. Born Jan. 25, 1947 in Philadelphia, PA to Albert Robert Wahl and Kathryn Muriel Fagley Wahl. Albert was 74 years old at the time of his death. Albert graduated from Olney High School in Philadelphia, PA. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Religion, form Maryville College, Maryville, Tennessee. He earned his Master of Divinity degree from San Francisco Theological Seminary, San Anselmo, CA. While exploring how he could be of further service to people in need, he met his wife, Linda S. (Baker) WahlBaker, at a nursing facility in Los Banos, CA. She was his Preceptor in an Administrator-in-Training Program. Later on, they were married. As a married couple, they were inseparable. They enjoyed traveling cross country from West Coast to their home states of Pennsylvania and Ohio, hiking the Sierra Nevada and cross-country skiing. Albert was preceded in death by his parents, Albert Robert Wahl and Kathryn Fagley Wahl; his younger brother, William Robert Wahl; and his younger sisters, Kathryn Alice Wahl and Eleanor Elizabeth Wahl; his parents-in-law, Ernest “Ernie” Baker and Genevieve “Jenny” Baker. He is survived by his wife, Linda WahlBaker; nephew, Eric Wahl and great niece, Isabella “Bella” Wahl of Daly City, CA; brothers-in-law, Jerry (Betty) Baker of Lancaster, OH, Ron (Shelagh) Baker of Columbus, OH, sister-in-law, Judy (Rick) Josten of Mico, TX. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and a great-nephew. Special thank you to Dr. Darcy Conner, who visited Albert at home when he was no longer able to travel; Staff at Legal Aid of West Virginia in Parkersburg (particularly Kathaleen, Vanessa, Jill and Cathy); Chuck Dowler and his wife Myrna, from Affordable In-Home Care; Sue Woodward; Amedisys Marietta Home Health and Hospice; and many others too numerous to mention, Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Feb. 26, 2021 at the St. John’s Catholic Cemetery, with Fr. Don Horak officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. John’s Cemetery Fund, c/o Janet Bell, 2535 Dutch Ridge Road, Guysville, OH 45723-9525, the American Brain Tumor Association or the American Parkinson Disease Association. You are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.whiteschwarzelfh.com.

Barbara A. (Clark) Waka of Melrose, December 19, 2011. Devoted wife of the late Richard John Waka, loving mother of Naomi Waka of CA, sister-in-law of Eleanor and Monte Minami of CA, James and Veronica Waka of FL and the late Frank & Mitchi Waka. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews as well as her cousin, Dorothy Ollek. A Celebration of Barbara’s Life is scheduled for Saturday, May 5, 2012 at 11am at the Green Street Baptist Church, 179 Green Street, Melrose. Reception is to follow immediately after the service concludes. All of Barbara’s relatives and friends are welcome. The family is being assisted by the Gately Funeral Home of MELROSE with the arrangements.

continues to revel in teaching hesitory at Converse College. Her latest book, co-edited with Timothy Grady, “Recovering the Piedmont Past” is just out from the University of South Carolina Press.

writes in to say that she is retiring from her position as the Johnson Professor of History at Converse College after 21 years. She and her husband plan to travel more and she will continue her work on mentoring and empowering women through her personal and career coaching practice, Check it out at heydaycoaching.org.

Melissa Walker ’85 continues to build Heyday Coaching, LLC, her coaching and consulting practice. In addition to work with individual clients, she recently developed a staff development workshop series called “Building a Vital Life” for the Via College of Osteopathic Medicine–Carolinas Campus and facilitated a short-range interpretive planning process for the Southern Campaigns of the American Revolution Group of the National Park Service. She keeps her hand in the world of the historian presenting talks including recent ones for the Greenville Chautauqua and Cowpens National Battlefield. Learn more about her work or subscribe to her newsletter at www.heydaycoaching.com.

Donald Greer Walker, age 92, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on July 1, 2018, at Blount Memorial Hospital of Maryville, TN. Don was born to Ruth Boring and Troy Walker of Friendsville, in 1925. He was a graduate of Friendsville High School and received his Bachelor of Science Degree of Economics from Maryville College. He did his post graduate work at Colorado College in Economics, and Agriculture at the University of Tennessee. Following graduation, he served in the United States Army where he served in the Army Special Services. Don worked for the USDA as the State Director for the Agriculture Stabilization and Conservation Service and raised cattle in the Big Spring community. Don served both his community and his church in many capacities throughout his life. A member of New Providence Presbyterian Church for 50 years serving on numerous committees, many community positions including many years on the Maryville City Council, First Tennessee Bank Board, Blount County Library Board, Beautiful Blount, Nashville Chamber of Commerce, Blount County Chamber of Commerce, Maryville Kiwanis and the Blount County and Tennessee Livestock Association. He is known for his generosity and kindness, his love for people and his community, and his ability to light up a room with his presence. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Troy and Ruth Walker; son, Donald Gary Walker; sister, Martha Ruth Walker Honaker; and brother-in-law, Lombe Scott Honaker II. His is survived by his wife of 65 years, Hilda Roberts Walker. Other survivors include his son, Troy Rob Walker (Michel) of Friendsville; granddaughters, Sarah Walker Delpy (JJ) of Atlanta; Shelby Walker McCulla (Johnathan) of Maryville; and Robi Kristine Walker of Friendsville; niece, Julia Honaker Beeson (Rick); nephew, Lombe Scott Honaker III (Barbie); and multiple great nieces and nephews. A receiving of friends is scheduled for Saturday, July 7th from 4-6 p.m. at McCammon-Ammons-Click Chapel, Maryville. The funeral service will follow with Rev. J. Steven Musick officiating. Family and friends will meet at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, July 8th, at Big Spring Cemetery for the interment service. The family expresses their gratitude to the Staff of Blount Memorial Hospital and Asbury Assisted Living. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Big Spring Cemetery, 237 Meadow Road, Friendsville, TN 37737. McCammon-Ammons-Click Funeral Home 982-6812 www.mccammonammonsclick.com

Hilda Virginia Roberts Walker, age 90, passed away Wednesday, March 6, at Blount Memorial Transitional Care Center. She was a member of New Providence Presbyterian Church, the Chilhowee Club and Chairwoman for the Maryville Housing Authority. She was preceded in death by husband of 65 years, Donald Greer Walker; son, Donald Gary Walker; and parents, Jackson and Essie Taylor Roberts. Survivors include her son, T. Rob Walker and wife, Michel; granddaughters, Sarah W. Delpy and husband, J.J., Shelby W. McCulla and husband, Johnathan and Robi Walker. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Sunday, at McCammon-Ammons-Click Funeral Home with the service to follow at 7 p.m. Family and friends will meet at 10 a.m. Monday, at Big Springs Cemetery for the interment service. McCammon-Ammons-Click Funeral Home, 865-982-6812, www.mccammonammonsclick.com.

Vonnie Reece Flynn Walker, age 84, of Walland, Tenn. went home to be with the Lord on July 10, 2019. She was a graduate of Walland High School and Maryville College where she received her teaching degree. She was a teacher at Hubbard Elementary School for 25 years. She was a loyal member of Millers Cove Missionary Baptist Church for 72 years where she played the piano, directed the choir, directed the Children's Christmas programs, and taught Sunday School. Vonnie touched the lives of hundreds of people in her community and will be dearly missed. She enjoyed playing piano, cooking Sunday dinner for her family, attending every one of her grandchildren's sporting events that she could possibly make it to and playing school and store with her great granddaughter. She is survived by her husband and best friend Jack Walker of 64 years, her son Alan and daughter-in-law Debbie, her son Roger and daughter-in-law Donna, her granddaughter Amanda and husband Charlie Binder, grandson Gene and wife Bethany, granddaughter Jessica and husband Taylor Lindsey, granddaughter Kayla, granddaughter Shelby, and great granddaughter Espen; sister and brother-in-law, Velda & Marshall Powell; several nieces and nephews. Family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 PM, Friday, July 12, 2019 at Smith West Chapel. Funeral service will be at 7:00 PM with Rev. David Powell and Rev. Lucas Boring officiating. Family and friends will assemble for interment at 10:00 AM, Saturday, July 13, 2019 at Millers Cove Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com.

Mary Mell Walker, 96, passed away peacefully on September 27 in Tallahassee, following her husband Harry “Hap” Walker who died only 10 days before.

A native Atlantan and graduate of Agnes Scott College, she grew up on Techwood Drive near the Georgia Tech campus and as a young woman worked at Georgia Tech for eight years, only solidifying her lifelong love of “the Institute.”

She and Hap married in late 1957, had son Daniel in 1959, and thanks to Hap’s early career lived in several states before settling in Charleston, South Carolina in 1963. Mary Mell left the stay-at-home role and re-entered the workforce in the early 1970s, having numerous secretarial and office administrative positions in Charleston and later in Atlanta into the 1990s. She particularly enjoyed assignments of “temp work,” the opportunities to meet a great variety of people

A lifelong Presbyterian who found solace in the Calvinist emphasis upon the sovereignty of God, she was an active member of North Avenue Presbyterian Church early in her life and again later, was an active member of First (Scots) Presbyterian Church in Charleston, and in her later years was blessed to be a member of Hope and then Covenant Presbyterian Church in Tallahassee.

Great friends and a love of reading shaped her life. If you were a friend, you were a friend for life; she cherished her precious friends in Atlanta, Charleston, and Tallahassee. Until the last days of her life, she loved to read – not only for entertainment, but also to unceasingly develop her Christian faith, because Christians are to love God with all one’s mind as well as heart and soul. If you read the Bible, monthly devotionals such as “Table Talk” and “Our Daily Bread,” magazines such as “Modern Reformation,” or books by R.C. Sproul, you have a kindred spirit in Mary Mell.

Mary Mell’s faith was no academic exercise. It grounded her as she persevered through numerous health challenges in her latter 50s and beyond, defeating stage 4 breast cancer in her early 80s along the way.

She is survived by her son, Daniel Walker; nieces Andrea Britt, Ellen Bradford, and Nancy Walker; and, nephews Joel Fleming and Herbert Leeming. Predeceasing her were her husband, Harry Walker; her brother, Joe Fleming; and her parents, Jimmie Johnson Fleming and Andy Fleming. Mary Mell also wished to acknowledge some of her wonderful friends of many decades, among them being Jane and Jimmy Snyder, Lenora Kirkland, Lillian Loomis, Merrile Kinard, Doris Rutherford, Minnie Whitaker, and Lucy Worthen, and those who predeceased Mary Mell, among them being Anne and Ken Long, Anne and Tom Eskew, Roger Howell, Mary and Bob Atkinson, Ralph Rutherford, Cecil Kirkland, Ray Kinard, and Will Loomis.

Recently promoted to Vice President of Finance for The Dollywood Company, which includes oversight of Accounting, FP&A and Information Technology for Dollywood, Splash Country, DreamMore Resort and HeartSong Resort.

Hugh H Walker, 92, who lived in Franklin, Tennessee; however; the majority of his life and a place he called home was Chattanooga, passed away Wednesday, August 23rd surrounded by his family and loved ones. Hugh was born in Memphis TN, to the late Paulus and Mary Walker, and is survived by his loving wife, Nancy of 64 years, daughter Lee Anne (Kevin) Hagan, & son, Andy Walker, as well as, his grandson’s Walker and Spencer Hagan. Hugh was a loyal, loving father and a friend to all who knew him. He graduated from The Duncan School in Nashville, earned a bachelor’s degree from Maryville College, Master’s Degree from Vanderbilt University, Louisiana State University and a Doctorate Degree from The University of Tennessee. Hugh served as a Naval Officer aboard the USS Trathen and was proud to serve his country. As a lifelong educator, Hugh touched the lives of many students over the years teaching at Castle Heights Military Academy and The Baylor School in Chattanooga where he also served as the head coach of the track and cross-country teams. He then went on to teach at Chattanooga State and North Georgia Technical College. He dedicated his life to serving others by teaching and coaching.

Recently accepted the position of Director of Finance at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort that is set to open in July 2015 in Pigeon Forge TN.

signed a multi-book contract with HarperCollins, UK office for an adult fantasy series. The first book titled, Among Wolves, will be released in May 2015. Her second series of Readers’ Theater books, A Year of Holiday Scripts for Schools and Libraries will be released September 1, 2015. She currently has a total of 13 published children’s books including The Christmas Cats and Abby and the Book Bunch.

William Edward “Bill” Wallace, age 82, of Maryville, passed away Monday, June 27, 2016, at Blount Memorial Hospital. He was an active member of Monte Vista Baptist Church for 55 years. He was a graduate of Townsend High School. He had a BS Degree from Maryville College, where he played basketball all four years, he received his guidance certificate from The University of Tennessee Knoxville and his MA degree from LMU. He was selected to the Blount County Sports Hall of Fame, Maryville College Wall of Fame and the first class of William Blount High School Wall of Fame. He was an avid supporter of Blount County Schools, where he served as a teacher, counselor, and coach for 38 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Pauline Wallace; sister, Shirley Ann Werner; niece, Freda Rosner; and grandson, Brandon Wallace Ryan. He is survived by his lovely, dedicated wife, Alice Ann Rathbone Wallace, for 60 years; daughters and sons-in-laws, Alicia and Barry Lail, of Alcoa, Karen and Danny Harbin, of Louisville; grandchildren, Haley Lail, of Greenback, Cole Lail, of Alcoa, Caleb Harbin and Abbi Harbin, of Louisville; great-nephew, Mark Rosner. The funeral service was held at Monte Vista Baptist Church, with Rev. Jerry Montooth, Rev. Bob Dalton and Dr. Howard Olive officiating and Bethel Cemetery for the interment. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be to made Monte Vista Baptist Church, 1735 Old Niles Ferry Road, Maryville TN 37803, or Maryville College Scots Club, c/o Randy Lambert, 502 East Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville, Tn 37804.

Named New Head Coach at Union College in Barbourville,Ky

2019-20 Women’s basketball season was first year at the helm. Set school record for wins and winning percentage in a season. 26-7 ( .788) Also had the first 1st Team All American in school history Was told I am the first women’s coach at the collegiate level to bring a team to at least the round of 32 of a National Tournament at the NJCAA, NCAA II, NCAA III and NAIA levels

WALTERS, MRS. CLARA K. WALKER – died Friday, July 12, 2013, at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home in Winston-Salem. Clara K. was born on July 26, 1918, in Knox County, Tennessee, to Harvey Baker Walker and Clara Keller Walker. Clara K. attended Maryville College and the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and taught school in Knox County. She was a long-time member of Beaver Ridge United Methodist Church where she was active in the choir and the United Methodist Women before moving to Winston-Salem in 2001. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bruce T. Walters; parents; infant daughter, Clara Candace; and her two sisters, Martha Marley and Elizabeth Thurmer. She is survived by son, Jeff Walters and wife, Margaret; daughter, Kitty Walker and husband, Jim; grandchildren, Chad Walters and wife, Tiffany, Amy Walker Lawson and fiancé, Alex Crea, and Drew Walker and wife, Lesley; great grandchildren, Jacob Lawson, Hope Lawson, Allie Gaunt, Evan Lawson and Wyatt Walker; great-great grandchildren, Isabella and Carson Lawson; nieces, Marti Blincoe and Lois Brink; nephew, Harvey Thurmer; and special friend, Marna Barclay.

Anne L. Walton, 83, of Wellston passed away at her home on Wednesday morning, August 6, 2014. She was born in Marysville, Ohio, on August 1, 1931, daughter of the late French Snider and Lamont Sewell Snider. She was a graduate of Marysville High School and received her degree in elementary education from Maryville College in Maryville, Tennessee. She retired after teaching for 31 years in the Vinton County Schools. She attended the First Presbyterian Church of Marysville and was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Wellston. She was a lifetime member of the American Legion Auxiliary 371 of Wellston and past president of the ALA District 8. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star-Hamden Chase Chapter 244 and also a lifetime member of NEA, OEA, D.A.R.T., and the Jackson and Vinton County Retired Teachers Association. Anne was a well known volunteer at local nursing homes and delivered newspapers and bananas to them weekly. She was fondly known as the Banana Lady. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Earl Walton in March of 1997. She is survived by life-long friends, Ken and Pam Dunlap of Salineville, Ohio; her furry friends and companions, Buffy and Peanut; and numerous faithful friends of the community, church, and American Legion Post 371 of Wellston. Friends are invited to call at the Jenkins Funeral Chapel in Wellston on Sunday from 4 until 8 P.M. The Ladies Auxiliary Poppy Ceremony will be conducted at 6 P.M. Services will be Monday at 11 A.M. at the Jenkins Chapel with John Pelletier CLP officiating. Burial will follow in the Ridgewood Cemetery in Anne’s final place of rest. Memorial contributions in Anne’s memory can be made to the American Legion Auxiliary 371 of Wellston or the First Presbyterian Church of Wellston, 18 South Pennsylvania Avenue, Wellston, Ohio 45692.

at the age of 93, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 5, 2014. After 55 years, she has rejoined her husband, William Carlisle Walton, Jr. who predeceased her in 1959. Single-handedly, she lovingly reared their four children: Patsy Collins (Tom) of Raleigh, Pam Bailey (Don) of Chapel Hill, Billy Walton (Toni Causby) of Greenville, and Lee Walton (Jane Covel) of Meridianville, AL. She was a beloved grandmother to eleven: Kimberly, Bethany, Lee, Lara, Rebecca, Nathaniel, Blake, Chad, Felicia, Josh and Cam; and great-grandmother to five: Eaden, Elsa, Sophia, Ella, and Kayla. Her children would especially like to express their amazement and gratitude that she had the love, persistence and fortitude to raise the four of them as a single mom. Mary Jane was born in Newport News, Virginia to Wilmoth Hickman Person of Birmingham, AL and Charles Edwin Person of Williamsburg, VA. She was predeceased by a devoted brother, Charles E. Person of Birmingham. She was a graduate of North Fulton High School in Atlanta and Maryville College in Maryville, TN where she met and married her future husband, Carl, in December 1942. The couple later moved to Nutley, NJ then to Durham, NC to answer Carl’s call to the ministry. Mary Jane remained a faithful minister’s wife, supporting her husband every step of the way, until his tragic death in 1959. After his death, she continued to devote much of her time and energy to the church, especially the start-up of Benson Memorial Methodist in Raleigh. In addition, she was active in PTA, Raleigh Homemakers Club, Bridge Club, Garden Club and her ever-treasured Discussion Group at Benson Memorial. After she retired from working at the NC State Milk Commission, she volunteered at the hospital, Dorcas Shop, Meals on Wheels, Special Olympics and other causes too numerous to list. However, nothing made her happier than holding a baby in her lap. It is fitting that at the hour she slipped away, a new great-granddaughter arrived.

The Alcoa City Schools system has named Mary Beth Hunt Warwick ’93 as director of special education and coordinator for the prekindergarten program and accommodations for students with disabilities under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. She began working with students with disabilities at Alcoa Middle School in 2004, and she has been a resource teacher and team leader.